A Hero in Connecticut

Where did a first grade teacher get the strength to perform her extraordinary act of bravery?

When a crazed gunman opened fire inside a Connecticut elementary school – murdering 26 children and adults – first grade teacher Vicki Soto responded with an astonishingly selfless act.

Upon hearing the first rounds of gunfire in an adjacent classroom, the 27-year-old teacher went into lockdown mode, quickly ushering her students into a closet. Then suddenly, as she came face to face with the gunman and the bullets flew, she used her body to shield the children.

Vicki Soto was found dead, huddled over her students, protecting them.

We all mourn this unspeakable tragedy.

Yet where did this young woman get the strength and conviction to perform such an extraordinary act of bravery?

In the animal world, this devotion is found to some degree as a motherly instinct. The bear will fiercely protect her cubs, just as a mother is intensely devoted to her children. But how far does it go? Can it even override the most basic instinct for self-preservation?

A parent’s greatest wish is for her children to grow, to see them flourish – physically, emotionally and spiritually. With determination and focus, a parent can attain a level of absolute devotion – even at the expense of her own welfare.

What makes Vicki Soto’s actions so remarkable is how she developed that same degree of self-sacrifice for children not biologically her own.

She lived with the reality of a profound truth: A teacher is like a parent, charged with nurturing a child’s growth, helping to transform their physical lives into something greater.

"Vicki's life dream was to be a teacher. It's what she loved to do," said her cousin, James Wiltsie. This young woman was willing to give up her entire worldly existence, for the higher meaning of caring for these children.

Deep down, we all want to accomplish great things. We all want to give generously and truly care for others. We all want to use our potential.

A friend recently told me that he’s been thinking about his “legacy.” Now in his mid-50s, he is haunted by one overriding question that he cannot ignore: How will I truly impact this world?

I told him to sit down and figure out what he’s willing to die for. Maybe even read some obituaries, to give perspective on the greater meaning of life.

I told him: Once you’ve found a cause so meaningful that you’d forfeit your life for, that leads to the more important and obvious corollary: If you are willing to die for something, then that is the highest goal for how you should be living.

There is something deep in the psyche of every human being: Being good is so important that we're even willing to die for it. Yet we too often fall short of these higher objectives – because we get distracted.

Vicki Soto understood that when you live with full focus and devotion, you attain unparalleled power.

The great tragedy is that this remarkable young woman had so much more to give.

Let us ensure that her death is not in vain.

Let’s make a plan to discover our ultimate pur­pose and then implement it into day-to-day life. Let’s take it one step at a time, so not to become overwhelmed. Let’s keep our eye on the ball and not get distracted.

Vicki Soto’s great act of devotion should inspire us to take 10 minutes today and ponder: "What am I living for?"

Finding the answer is a big project. But there’s no better use of our time and energy. Because if we don’t know what higher purpose we’re pursuing, then we’re living like zombies, just going through the motions.

Vicki Soto was up to the challenge. "She didn't call them her students," her sister Carlee told NBC. "She called them her kids. She loved those students more than anything."

She loved her students so much that she referred to them as her "little angels." In reaching the ultimate level of devotion and saving their lives, Vicki Soto reached beyond the angels.

Featured at Aish.com:

About the Author

Rabbi Shraga Simmons spent his childhood trekking through snow in Buffalo, New York. He holds a degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin, and rabbinic ordination from the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem. He is the co-founder of Aish.com, and founder of JewishPathways.com. He is also the founding editor of HonestReporting.com, and author of "David & Goliath" (2012), the definitive treatment of media bias against Israel. He lives with his wife and children in the Modi'in region of Israel.

Visitor Comments: 48

(34)
William,
January 1, 2013 10:41 PM

why guns?

Why ban only military-style guns/weapons? Why stop there? For God's love, haven't you had enough of this irresponsible, mindless violence in your great country over the past 15-, or so, years? Second Ammendment? We all know that it has been misinterpreted, in big way! If you think that you need gun/s at home, what does it say about the society you live in? What is happening to the, once Great, US of A? Are the American people willing to fulfill the prophecy of one, current civilization to disapear?? Like the Roman, Greek, Persian and many other civilizations disapeared in the past? What sort of country are you leaving for your gradchildren and further, future generations? Put armed guards in every school? Who came up with this idiotic notion? Ah, yes, the NRA. Why not give a gun to every school kid so he can protect him/herself. Is that the plan? Can you see the result? I can: every bully in the will be blown away! "He was bullying me, so I shot him!", will be the answer and, as always, the NRA will not be in sight! No more bullies but more heartache for families! Is that what you want for your great nation? WAKE UP AMERICA, before it's too late!

(33)
Robert MacPherson,
December 20, 2012 7:12 PM

Guns do NOT kill anyone

It is not the GUN, it is the one who uses it, for good or bad, I always had guns while growing up in the country, and at a very early age I learned that I was RESPONCIBLE for that gun, and taught myself HOW TO USE IT, so, talking the pros and making sugestions about WHO should have GUNS, lets put any school where it should be, teaching children the RIGHT way to LIVE, and that includes any subject that the teacher deams correct.

(32)
Shiney,
December 19, 2012 2:10 AM

Thankyou...

Vicky's courage is one of the greatest things we as humans can possess. She was such a loving soul and so young...I pray for her family and for others , especially her students that they will see one person truly can make a difference in another person's life....Vicky, thankyou for being such a devoted, kind teacher who sacrificed so much for your passion.

Robert MacPherson,
December 20, 2012 7:05 PM

Vicky's corage is nothing but absolute hero

What would our actions be when faced with what Vick faced, I really do not know what I would have done, I really have no idea. BUT I wish that I would do the same as she.
Robert

(31)
Shira Paz,
December 17, 2012 8:49 PM

When I read about the love and total devotion of a beautiful person like Vicky who gave her life for the sake of saving others, ordinary people who do extra ordinary things it leaves me totally humble and inspired, I salute her heroism, the highest honor to those who save their fellowman and sacrifice their own life. May her memory live on!

(30)
Ernest Miller,
December 17, 2012 8:28 PM

What happened in Newton was a horrific tragedy. I pray that
Congress will pass strong legislation banning assault
weapons for the general public.

Anonymous,
December 19, 2012 5:41 AM

Why is the most common answer is to take away guns? If a teacher or someone in that school would have had a gun the shooter could have been stopped.

Lisa,
December 20, 2012 1:13 PM

Annie get your gun......

No..the shooter came in without warning & IF she had a gun it would have been locked up & would have taken time to get it..........so having a gun in the classroom is not the answer. Perhaps stronger security at the front desk & all around the school.

Chani,
December 20, 2012 2:09 AM

While it is important that guns are only in the hands of responsible people, banning guns will not fix the public. We need a better solution to deal with the difficulties in regards to mental health and we need safer schools. Even if guns are made illegal, if a crazy or evil person wants to get one he will.

(29)
Richard,
December 17, 2012 7:15 PM

Honor This Remarkable Woman

I now think about my own life in the context you suggested - what would I be willing to die for? And one answer is that I would give my life to allow a child to continue to live. I am 59. I am not a parent so I do not have biological children. But I know that giving a spark of life to an innocent child in exchange for my own would be something I would want to do and I pray that God will give me the courage.

(28)
David,
December 17, 2012 6:29 PM

I wish Vicky and the principal had a gun.

(27)
Marc,
December 17, 2012 5:28 PM

OLAM HABAH

wow...some people have to work a lifetime to earn their share in olam habah....and some, earn it with one act in a matter of seconds.
Vicki, your students will never forget you and what you did for them. You selflessness has saved millions of people in future generations....
May your family be comforted to know that they raised such a holy soul.

(26)
Anonymous,
December 17, 2012 4:39 PM

Brave But Unarmed

M., 12/17/12 common era
Perhaps if this brave woman had been armed with a firearm, the killer(s) would themselves have been killed before they could have done more harm. Songs of love and peace are touching, but they won't stop a likely mind control subject.

andre j smith,
December 18, 2012 9:36 PM

more guns not the solution

Sadly it is seldom that untrained ordinary nice folk taken by surprize can ever react effectively with a firearm. That only happens in movies.

(25)
Apostle,
December 17, 2012 11:09 AM

Freedom of action at what cost

Every single one of us is sick of hearing such tragic news.I think US authorities must cut it from somewhere to being too permissive.

(24)
Michal Selber,
December 17, 2012 9:30 AM

wonderful article

What a magnificent person!
I agree about both a sweeping change in the gun laws (including possible amending the constitution) and honing all efforts to catch potential problems before they become tragedies.
But the article stands on its own as a memorial to a true hero, and a charge to us all to connect with what it is that makes our life worthwhile.

Anonymous,
December 18, 2012 2:17 AM

no ban on guns

This is the United States of America and we have the right to bear arms............Hashem did not send the Jews unarmed into battle, it was by his mercy wars were won, but men laid down their lives as they do today, yes and women. Bleeding heart liberals hear this, guns do good, hunt, protect. Banning guns will not stop violence. Spreading light of HaShem does so go out and spread the light.

(23)
JC Lincoln,
December 17, 2012 5:45 AM

I wish Vicki had had a gun.

Haim,
December 17, 2012 11:31 AM

Teachers with guns??? Are you nuts?

This is the last thing we need. This is an acceptance that the world is evil and we all should live that way. This brave young woman gave us another way to live in the world.

Anonymous,
December 18, 2012 2:19 AM

brave young woman

the brave young woman would be alive today perhaps and had been able to save numerous children and adults She did not show us another way to live, she had no choice. She was brave, she did not run, she stayed with the children she loved and lost.

Anonymous,
December 17, 2012 11:57 PM

Teacher with a gun?

Is exactly the correct response. If on more person had access to a gun, the killer would not have killed so many! We need more guns for protection, not less.

(22)
FrançoiseMichaelis,
December 17, 2012 4:07 AM

Connecticut

Thank you for the beautiful commentaries.
But wouldnt it be better to advocate the banning of selling arms and munition in America?

Phil,
December 17, 2012 8:49 AM

agreed!

Evil people who either own guns or know how to get a gun despite the law would agree with your idea very much. They'd have much less resistance.

Rhonda,
December 17, 2012 1:16 PM

You cannot legislate morality.

Are suicide bombers stopped because of legislation? Will criminals stop buying guns on the black market if we make them illegal? The answer is bringing G~d back in our schools and in our homes and in our hearts & the hearts of our children.

Phil,
December 18, 2012 6:31 AM

That's part of the answer, but...

...but it wouldn't help answer the Levi Aron case. (He's the monster who killed Leiby Kletsky.)

dale,
December 17, 2012 11:11 PM

not the guns

instead of the guns, let's look at the video games, violent movies and the legal drugs that we take and feed our children like candy because we can't cope or they are a little disruptive

Liza,
December 18, 2012 2:12 AM

every one with guns

I have never shot a gun, don't want one. However, I support those who ethically have guns. Banning guns does not stop violence. If some of those teachers had guns we would not be seeing such a long list of loss lives. The sick bullies with guns think twice if they think they will be shot at themselves cowards all. I say everyman a gun and every woman two,

(21)
Joseph Apicella,
December 17, 2012 12:00 AM

Love that knows no bounds

It did not matter the race or religion she covered her students. This is the closest we come to seeing G-d.

(20)
Beverly Margolis-Kurtin, Ph.D.,
December 16, 2012 11:36 PM

No greater love...

An uncle of mine threw himself on a hand grenade that landed in the midst of other soldiers. Of course, he died, he willingly sacrificed his life for his buddies. Other teachers in Newtown did the same thing, they died to protect their kids.
Today is my 72nd birthday, I would have gladly taken any of the young people who were brutally murdered. I have to question why I have been blessed to live this long while young kids and adults were taken from this world.
Being originally from Connecticut, I have taken this tragedy personally as I feel many others have.
BUT the problem is NOT guns! The problem is the way that this country handles its mentally ill people. They cannot be forced to take their medications, they cannot be put into custody in a mental hospital UNTIL THEY DO SOMETHING! WHY? There is a reason. Back in 1963 the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) said that it was unconstitutional to keep people in custody without their permission.
Two years ago I suffered a heat stroke in August in the Texas heat. The temperature was over 104, my van failed forcing me to walk home without a hat. Finally, I collapsed at a main intersection and the police questioned me. I could make no sense. They offered to have an ambulance take me to the hospital. I COULD NOT MAKE THE DECISION TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL BECAUSE I WAS INCOMPETENT! I could not think clearly.
Thank G-d that our local police are wonderful; they drove me home and my sister and niece drove me to the hospital. It took a GALLON of fluid to hydrate me.
When a person is incapable of making a decision, even the police cannot force them to do what is best for them.
The murderer had a history of mental illness! But according to SCOTUS he could not be force to do what needed to be done, instead nearly 30 people are dead. It is hard to type this as tears are filling my eyes. Go to www.bevmar.com for a fuller discussion of mental health problems in this country.

(19)
avraham,
December 16, 2012 10:09 PM

connection to parasha

it just connect with this week's parasha when yehuda is ready to give up anything and go to war for his brother Benjamin

(18)
Starr,
December 16, 2012 9:14 PM

Thank Heavenly Father

He is the One who gave Ms soto the ability to love her students as she would love her own children. May we all be blessed with teachers such as her, may her act of selflessness never be forgotten.

(17)
anonymous,
December 16, 2012 8:30 PM

greatness

What a fabulous person. Her family should be so proud of her.

(16)
Carl Rachel,
December 16, 2012 7:17 PM

Here today--Gone tomorrow----NOT

To live is to be ready to die.

(15)
Rachel,
December 16, 2012 6:57 PM

The strenght of so many teachers...

...is on display EVERY TIME there is a school shooting: the high school teachers who lost their lives in Columbine; the Holocaust survivor professor at Virginia Tech who stood in the doorway of his classroom, taking a fatal bullet while his students escaped thru windows. Being a teacher is about being responsible for others. It's time we stopped denigrating them because there are a few incompetents out there.

(14)
Minnie,
December 16, 2012 6:36 PM

She gave her all

Any teacher who loved her students this much must have been a great teacher! Her students surely felt her caring and love for them, and in that environment could feel safe to learn to risk and to grow. What a tragic loss for her students.

(13)
Donna Perel,
December 16, 2012 6:16 PM

There are no words.

I work in a small out of town school religious day school. My first grade class has a little over twenty students. When I walk into the classroom tomorrow morning I know I won't stop thinking about Ms. Soto and her selfless act. Could I do it? I honestly don't know.

(12)
Laura,
December 16, 2012 6:10 PM

Everyone needs to read this article!

Practical steps to finding and keeping your purpose in focus...a great tribute to Vicki Sosto's act of bravery!

(11)
Anonymous,
December 16, 2012 6:09 PM

Touching

The world lost and incredible and remarkable woman. I pray for her family, friends, and her students who had to witness this unthinkable act. She is a true hero and a true angel.

(10)
Michal,
December 16, 2012 5:41 PM

What am I living for?

I like your article. It does not leave us only in sadness about the killed children and their parents, it reminds us to consider why we are here on earth. We should learn to emulate God. To love, to care, to give; to see the others need and sadness and to comfort. I am sad, that I am so far from being perfect in this. I am old. I am thankful for every day I am still alive, in order to improve in emulating Hashem. The young teacher was a real hero. May she live forever- together with her children - in the loving arms of God.

(9)
chava,
December 16, 2012 5:25 PM

Love or responsibility (or maybe they become merged)

Where is the line between love & devotion as opposed to a strong feeling of responsibility?

(8)
Chanah,
December 16, 2012 5:25 PM

Great love yes, but what if...

she and other teachers had had a gun in that closet and the training in how to use it? Maybe lives could have been saved.

(7)
isidore ifshin,
December 16, 2012 5:01 PM

i will remember her name

(6)
Shirah Penn,
December 16, 2012 4:52 PM

Give Me a World Safe for Children!

Give me a world safe for children is my song! Let's make this a world, a world safe for children......Peace and love everywhere, for one another we care....Gramma Shirah Penn

(5)
Eric,
December 16, 2012 4:42 PM

If Vicky had a gun...

If this poor brave teacher had a gun and knew how to use it, she would have been able to protect her students. As it was, she was murdered, and then the evil madman went on murdering the kids.
There will always be evil in the world, and the only way to stop it is for the good people to have the ability to resist evil.
Eric.

(4)
Tsivya,
December 16, 2012 4:37 PM

Another hero: Kaitlin Roig

Let us also honor Kaitlin Roig, who also acted heroically and survived the attack along with all her students.

(3)
דונה,
December 16, 2012 4:08 PM

Credit Due

Victoria Soto is a true Heroine! This is important on a much deeper level than words. Think about it.

(2)
moshe,
December 16, 2012 3:43 PM

remembering the hero

thank you for an article that not only does not mention the name of the killer, you gave us the name of a hero to remember. too often the media makes the killer's name famous and i suspect that may lead some people to prefer to die as a famous killer, rather than a nobody.

(1)
Lisa,
December 16, 2012 2:52 PM

Courage

I admire her connection to her students...her love for them was so real & we see that in her decision to save her kids & sacrifice herself. She had but one second to act.....I hope I would have the courage to do the same.

I live in rural Montana where the Cholov Yisrael milk is difficult to obtain and very expensive. So I drink regular milk. What is your view on this?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Jewish law requires that there be rabbinic supervision during the milking process to ensure that the milk comes from a kosher animal. In the United States, many people rely on the Department of Agriculture's regulations and controls as sufficiently stringent to fulfill the rabbinic requirement for supervision.

Most of the major Kashrut organizations in the United States rely on this as well. You will therefore find many kosher products in America certified with a 'D' next to the kosher symbol. Such products – unless otherwise specified on the label – are not Cholov Yisrael and are assumed kosher based on the DOA's guarantee.

There are many, however, do not rely on this, and will eat only dairy products that are designated as Cholov Yisrael (literally, "Jewish milk"). This is particularly true in large Jewish communities, where Cholov Yisrael is widely available.

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein wrote that under limited conditions, such as an institution which consumes a lot of milk and Cholov Yisrael is generally unavailable or especially expensive, American milk is acceptable, as the government supervision is adequate to prevent non-kosher ingredients from being added.

It should be added that the above only applies to milk itself, which is marketed as pure cow's milk. All other dairy products, such as cheeses and butter, may contain non-kosher ingredients and always require kosher certification. In addition, Rabbi Feinstein's ruling applies only in the United States, where government regulations are considered reliable. In other parts of the world, including Europe, Cholov Yisrael is a requirement.

There are additional esoteric reasons for being stringent regarding Cholov Yisrael, and because of this it is generally advisable to consume only Cholov Yisroel dairy foods.

In 1889, 800 Jews arrived in Buenos Aires, marking the birth of the modern Jewish community in Argentina. These immigrants were fleeing poverty and pogroms in Russia, and moved to Argentina because of its open door policy of immigration. By 1920, more than 150,000 Jews were living in Argentina. Juan Peron's rise to power in 1946 was an ominous sign, as he was a Nazi sympathizer with fascist leanings. Peron halted Jewish immigration to Argentina, introduced mandatory Catholic religious instruction in public schools, and allowed Argentina to become a haven for fleeing Nazis. (In 1960, Israeli agents abducted Adolf Eichmann from a Buenos Aires suburb.) Today, Argentina has the largest Jewish community in Latin America with 250,000, though terror attacks have prompted many young people to emigrate. In 1992, the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 32 people. In 1994, the Jewish community headquarters in Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 85 people. The perpetrators have never been apprehended.

Be aware of what situations and behaviors give you pleasure. When you feel excessively sad and cannot change your attitude, make a conscious effort to take some action that might alleviate your sadness.

If you anticipate feeling sad, prepare a list of things that might make you feel better. It could be talking to a specific enthusiastic individual, running, taking a walk in a quiet area, looking at pictures of family, listening to music, or reading inspiring words.

While our attitude is a major factor in sadness, lack of positive external situations and events play an important role in how we feel.

[If a criminal has been executed by hanging] his body may not remain suspended overnight ... because it is an insult to God (Deuteronomy 21:23).

Rashi explains that since man was created in the image of God, anything that disparages man is disparaging God as well.

Chilul Hashem, bringing disgrace to the Divine Name, is one of the greatest sins in the Torah. The opposite of chilul Hashem is kiddush Hashem, sanctifying the Divine Name. While this topic has several dimensions to it, there is a living kiddush Hashem which occurs when a Jew behaves in a manner that merits the respect and admiration of other people, who thereby respect the Torah of Israel.

What is chilul Hashem? One Talmudic author stated, "It is when I buy meat from the butcher and delay paying him" (Yoma 86a). To cause someone to say that a Torah scholar is anything less than scrupulous in meeting his obligations is to cause people to lose respect for the Torah.

Suppose someone offers us a business deal of questionable legality. Is the personal gain worth the possible dishonor that we bring not only upon ourselves, but on our nation? If our personal reputation is ours to handle in whatever way we please, shouldn't we handle the reputation of our nation and the God we represent with maximum care?

Jews have given so much, even their lives, for kiddush Hashem. Can we not forego a few dollars to avoid chilul Hashem?

Today I shall...

be scrupulous in all my transactions and relationships to avoid the possibility of bringing dishonor to my God and people.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...